Thomas building campaign for sheriff

Saturday

River Bend Police Officer Ernest Thomas, running as a Republican, says he plans to build on his previous four campaigns on his way to becoming Craven County sheriff in 2014.

River Bend Police Officer Ernest Thomas, running as a Republican, says he plans to build on his previous four campaigns on his way to becoming Craven County sheriff in 2014.

“It’s definitely been a journey,” said Thomas, about his previous runs for the sheriff’s office. “I’ve learned a lot — its building blocks. I don’t see it as a loss, just a technical set back in figuring out a way to win.

“I’m staying the course, I can’t quit now, being how close I was last time. I’ve sacrificed a lot. I’ve funded all my own campaigns.”

Thomas has been serving since he enlisted into the Marine Corps in 1976 as an infantryman, then as a military police officer, and jet engine mechanic.

During his time in the Corps, Thomas traveled from Bermuda to Beirut, Japan, Korea and the Philippines, before being stationed at Camp Lejeune.

“I traveled the world,” he said, “but, North Carolina has always been my home.”

After his Marine Corps service, around 1990 Thomas began working as a Craven County deputy sheriff for eight years, before accepting a job as the Bayboro chief of police. Concurrently, he worked with the prison system and later as a reserve police officer in Pollocksville.

During Operation Desert Storm the urge to serve the nation called on Thomas again, and he joined the Army Reserve, which he would serve in for 21 years as a military police officer.

“All I’ve done is serve,” Thomas said. “I was a defender of the nation in the Marines and Army, and in Craven County I will protect, defend and safeguard.”

After a successful run as Bayboro police chief, where there had been some talk of changing the chief position, according to Thomas, he began working at the River Bend Police Department, where he has been for the past 10 years.

Thomas says he will open up the Sheriff’s Office if elected, having an “open door policy,” which will allow citizens to come in and voice their concerns.

Drug enforcement would also be high on Thomas’s list.

“I’d like to focus on drug enforcement, a lot more can be done then what is now,” he said. “It’s time for a change and so many things need to be changed. People deserve to know the truth and base their vote on that.”

Thomas said, just like the current sheriff let people go, he may make some personal changes, but not before evaluating them.

“The reality is, just like the sheriff let people go, I’d have to talk to people and see where they stand,” he said. “It was appalling to me to see people with 17 or 19 years serving be let go, I wouldn’t do that. I’d see if they were able to continue to serve and protect the people of this county.”

Thomas says he also plans on working on diversity at the sheriff’s office.

“I’d like to thank the people who voted for me last time,” the father of four said. “And ask for their support again.”

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